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March/2010/healthy eating habits |
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After reading the child obesity article, eating healthier seems that much more important. Here are a few good habits for you and your family to get accustomed to, and make a part of your daily routine.
It is important to have regular family meals. By doing so, you are not only creating a comfortable ritual for you as the parent and your children, but it is also a good way to catch up with your children. For teens it may be harder to get them involved at the age where independence is key, but studies show that teens whether they openly express it or not, still appreciate their parents insight on their lives. Consider inviting their friends for dinner, involving the teen in the meal preparation, and try not to lecture or argue.
Try serving a healthy variety of foods and snacks. By providing a majority of healthy foods in the household, it makes it that much easier to eat healthy. Try eliminating the snacks, but don’t completely rid your children from enjoying an occasional snack. Work fruits and vegetables into the daily routine. Serve lean meats and other sources of protein, such as fish, eggs, beans, and nuts. Choose whole-grain breads and cereals so kids get more fiber. Limit fat intake, by avoiding deep-fried foods and choosing healthier cooking methods, such as broiling, grilling, roasting, and steaming. Limit fat intake, by avoiding deep-fried foods and choosing healthier cooking methods, such as broiling, grilling, roasting, and steaming. Limit sugary drinks by replacing them with water or juices. Establish a predictable schedule of meals and snacks, by doing so, children have more scheduled eating habits, and helps avoid eating unnecessary foods. Most important, don’t force your children to clean their plates, doing so teaches children to override feelings of fullness, and overeat.
Also, try to involve the children in the meal process. Most children enjoy deciding what to make for dinner. Some may even want to help shop for ingredients and help prepare the meal. At the store, teach them about food labels so they can begin understanding what they should look for as they get older, and it will help them when they start cooking for themselves. Also, packing school lunches is also a good lesson for healthy eating habits for children. By allowing them to help choose what they want to eat, it gets them more involved.
Last but not least, be a role model and eat healthily yourself. Nothing motivates children more, than seeing their role models performing the actions they preach.
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